Lens decision question

[brewercm]

I want to add another lens to my setup at some point and wanted to get opinions.

I kind of have it down to the two below but I'm a macro lover so the Tamron is besting the other out at the moment in my mind. I'm looking more for this lens for an in between of what I currently have which are listed below them and double as a portrait lens between the 50 and 105. I know a nice wide angle would be nice but I don't find myself needing that very often. So what would be any thoughts.

Nikon 85mm f/1.8D AF
Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 SP AF


Currently own.
Nikon 18-105 kit lens
Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical IF Macro AF
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR Micro
Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF

[mmuhlenkamp]

You already have a 105 Nikon Micro, why would you also get the Tamron 90mm macro? Seems fairly redundant. I don't shoot Nikon, but the 105 seems to be the favored macro lens for Nikon.

If you're wanting a good portrait lens the 85 sounds like a good choice.

[brewercm]

I put in wrong place. If moderator sees can you redirect to equipment.

Thanks and sorry.

[brewercm]

Yea, I was thinking the same but the Tamron 90 is probably just as good a portrait lens as the Nikon 85 from what I've heard from many. That and I did own the old version of the Tamron 90 before (manual everything which I never should have gotten rid of). Although the Nikon would do me better in low light also. Arghhh, decisions decisions.

[mmuhlenkamp]

The 105 you already have would make a good portrait lens too, no extra cost...

[brewercm]

I know, and a great one at that. Just looking for different focal lengths to fill the gaps I use the most. Not meaning to sound argumentative but it feels like I'm coming across that way and don't mean to. I guess I'm looking at this as with only a 7.5mm difference in the two would it make that much difference between 127.5mm and 135mm in filling the gaps between 75mm and 157mm that I already have. Just thinking out loud now to myself I guess. Not to mention it would give me another macro option where the Nikon 85 doesn't do well at (at least not this 85mm).


I probably shoot most in the range between the 50 and 105. I sometimes use the 28-300 when on vacation or something. Not the best lens in the world but for personal use it gets by.

[mmuhlenkamp]

I understand, I have a prime lens addiction myself

I really think the 85 f/1.8 would be better for portraits and low-light, you already have a macro (but that means you have to carry it around too).

Or if you're wanting more versatility with less lenses, maybe you need to look into a 2.8 zoom (tamron 28-75 or maybe a sigma 50-150 since you like the medium telephoto end), but it's hard to beat a prime on image quality...

Good luck with your decision.

[brewercm]

Hmmmmm, now I may have to look into the two you also listed as possibilities. Just would depend on the IQ that they have.

[toverman]

The better-quality zooms from Nikon (and Canon and others) come really close to matching the IQ of primes. Close enough for the convenience factor, at least for me.

[Tom]

Since you have the great 105mm lens, I would get a Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 to replace the 18-105 and 28-300mm lenses that are lower quality.

[brewercm]

Thanks for the info folks, I'll take a look at that Tamron and see about maybe renting one to try it out.

[brewercm]

I've been doing quite a bit of research on that Tamron since you mentioned it Thomas and I have to say that looks quite impresive results in test labs.

Was thinking about renting one but at the price probably best just to purchase than the added expense of the renting.

[dragontail]

go nikon

[brewercm]

OK, so I compromised and two of the lenses I was looking at just happened to kind of just fall into place. Traded my 50mm /1.8 for the Tamron 28-75 2.8 (along with a little cash). Then someone on here was selling the Tamron 90mm 2.8 that I also picked up. I know doesn't make sense to have a 105 and 90 macro both but I really kicked myself for selling my older Tamron 90mm and just wanted another. Besideds all three look like they will each make great portrait lenses in their own rights and cover a decent range for me.